ATLANTA (February 19, 2016) | Sen. Jeff Mullis (R – Chickamauga) has filed legislation to place a temporary moratorium on new applications and licenses for new narcotic treatment centers in Georgia. Senate Bill 402 will also create a state commission to study the current licensure process and the density of narcotic treatment centers currently operating in Georgia. The legislation was filed out of growing concern over the large concentration of narcotic treatment programs and the documented increase of heroin addiction within the state.
“The rapid rise of heroin use in Georgia is a troubling trend that needs immediate attention. Pausing the applications and licensure process is a responsible measure that will allow us to determine the factors behind this increase, as well as what can be done to stop this very serious problem,” said Sen. Mullis.
The legislation will stop the acceptance of new applications and/or licenses for narcotic treatment programs until June 30, 2017. However, currently operating narcotic treatment centers seeking license renewal will not be impacted by the moratorium. The brief suspension is intended to provide legislators with adequate time to review the licensure process, geography and number of open treatment centers, and determine if legislative action is necessary to change licensing or operational requirements.
Senate Bill 402 will also create the state commission tasked with evaluating the licensing and location of Georgia’s narcotic treatment centers. The commission will be comprised of three House members appointed by the Speaker, three Senate members appointed by the President of the Senate, and five members appointed by the Governor. The Governor’s appointments must include the commissioner of the Department of Community Health, the commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Disabilities, and three members representing a cross-section of narcotic treatment center owners, pharmacists, and law enforcement. The commission co-chairs will be selected by the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate.
Georgia is ranked third nationally in the number of narcotic treatment centers, with 63 currently operating within the state. Heroin use and overdoses in Georgia have skyrocketed in the last five years; a stark contradiction from the large number of treatment centers operating with the intention of reducing addiction rates.
The legislation has been assigned to the Senate Regulated Industries Committee and is awaiting further review.
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For Immediate Release:
February 19, 2016
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Jennifer.yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028